Process and Device for Printing a Substrate

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method and device for printing a substrate. The printable substrate is moved through at least one printing mechanism in order to print a static or non-variable printing image. According to the invention, the printable substrate is moved through at least one printing device, which is coupled in-line to the printing mechanism to individualize the static pattern with at least one dynamic or variable printing image.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/586,038 which was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Dec. 15, 2006. Priority is claimed for this invention and application, corresponding application(s) having been filed in Germany on Jan. 15, 2004, No. 10 2004 002 132.5. The entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to a process and device for printing on a substrate in which the substrate moves through a printing unit to print a static or unchanging image.

2. Description of the Related Art

To print on a substrate, the procedure according to the state of the art is to move the substrate through at least one printing couple of a printing press, where an individual ink of a certain color is applied to the substrate in the one printing couple or in each of them. The printing couples of the printing press produce a static, i.e., unchanging, image on the substrate over the entire course of the pressrun. The article in question can be, for example, an advertising brochure. If these types of printed products, which are produced by printing a static image on each copy of the entire run, are to be individualized by providing them with, for example, personal address data, the procedure according to the state of the art is to send the substrates provided with the static image in the printing press to a separate printing device, where they are individualized offline. Accordingly, at least one dynamic or changing image, namely, personal address data, is added to the static print image by a process which is offline with respect to that by which static image is produced. The production of static print images individualized with dynamic or changing print images in this way is both complicated and expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel process for printing on a substrate.

This problem is solved by a process for printing on a substrate in which the substrate is moved through at least one printing device installed inline with the printing unit or with each printing unit, preferably installed downstream from it, so that the static or unchanging image can be individualized by the addition of at least one dynamic or changing image.

In accordance with the present invention, it is proposed that, after the static or unchanging image has been produced on the substrate, the substrate, for the purpose of individualizing it, is moved inline through at least one printing device installed upstream or downstream from the printing couple serving to produce the static image. According to the present invention, the process of individualizing the static image by adding one or more dynamic images to it is thus carried out inline and therefore in a single workflow. As a result, these types of printed articles can be produced more quickly, more easily, and more cheaply.

According to an advantageous elaboration of the invention, at least the functionality “color” is printed in the printing couple or in each of the printing couples used to print the static or unchanging image, whereas at least one functionality different from the functionality “color” is printed in the printing device or in each of the printing devices used to print the dynamic or changing image.

The functionality different from the functionality “color” preferably consists of individual text data and/or fragrances and/or varnishes and/or electric conductors and/or semiconductor circuits.

An embodiment of the inventive process which is especially preferred is one in which image information from three different data streams is printed inline in a single workflow. The first data stream in this case consists of the static or unchanging image data; the second data stream consists of the dynamic or changing text and/or image data serving to individualize and/or partially to individualize the substrate; and the third data stream consists of the dynamic or changing logistics data.

The inventive device for implementing the inventive process has at least one printing couple for printing a static or unchanging image and at least one printing device for individualizing the static image by adding at least one dynamic or changing image, installed inline with the printing couple or with each printing couple, preferably installed downstream from it. To ensure an integrated data flow, the inventive device preferably includes an open-loop or closed-loop control unit, which controls the printing couple or each printing couple used to print the static or unchanging image and the printing device or each printing device used to print the dynamic or changing image.

Preferred elaborations of the invention can be derived from the subclaims and from the following description.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment of the invention, to which the invention is not to be considered limited, is explained in greater detail below:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device according to the invention for implementing the process for printing on a substrate according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows in schematic form a system diagram of an inventive device 10 for printing a substrate, where, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the device comprises a printing unit 10 for printing a static or unchanging image on a substrate 11. Although only one of these printing units 10 is shown in FIG. 1, it is obvious that several of these units 10 can be set up in a row. To produce the static or unchanging image on the substrate 11, one process color is applied in each of the printing units 10 used to produce the static or unchanging image. In the case of an autotypic combination printing process, this means that, as a rule, four printing units will be set up in a row to produce or to print the static or unchanging image, where each of these four printing units prints one of the four process colors, i.e., either black, cyan, magenta, or yellow.

The device according to the invention of FIG. 1 comprises not only the printing unit 10 for printing the static or unchanging image but also two printing devices 12, 13, installed downstream from the printing unit 10. These printing devices are used to individualize the static or unchanging image printed in the printing unit 10 by adding a dynamic or changing image to it. Thus it can be derived from FIG. 1 that the substrate 11 to be printed moves for printing in the direction of the arrow 14 first through the printing unit 10 and then through the printing devices 12 and 13.

After the substrate has left the printing unit 10, it carries the static or unchanging image. The static image is then individualized by the addition of dynamic or changing images in the printing devices 12 and 13. It can be derived from FIG. 1 that each of the printing devices 12 and 13 individualizes the static image by adding a dynamic or changing image to different sections or areas. Although two printing devices 12 and 13 for individualizing the static image by adding dynamic images are shown in FIG. 1, it is obvious that only one such printing device or more than two such printing devices could be installed inline with the printing unit or with each printing unit used to produce the static image.

The printing unit 10 or each printing unit for printing the static or unchanging image is preferably designed as an offset printing unit or as a gravure printing unit or as a flexographic printing unit. The printing unit 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a digital offset printing unit, like the ones sold by the applicant under the product name DICOweb. The printing devices 12 and 13 for printing the dynamic or changing image are preferably ink-jet printing devices. In place of such ink-jet printing devices, it would also be possible to use dynamic printing devices which are based on the principle of electrophotography, magnetography, electrocoagulation, or ionography.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, as previously mentioned, a static or unchanging image is applied to the substrate 11 in the printing unit 10, where the functionality “color” is printed to obtain the static or unchanging image. In the two printing devices 12 and 13 installed downstream from the printing unit 10, the static image is individualized by the addition of one or more dynamic or changing images, which represent a functionality different from the functionality “color”. For example, the printing devices 12 and 13 can print, as their functionality, individual text data and/or individual image data and/or individual logistics data and/or fragrances and/or varnishes and/or electrical conductors and/or semiconductor circuits.

In a concrete exemplary embodiment, it will be assumed that an advertising flyer of an automobile manufacturer is to be printed on the substrate 11. To produce the advertising flyer, it is possible to operate with the help of the present device according to the invention and to use the process according to the invention in such a way that first a static or unchanging image is printed on the substrate 11 in the printing unit 10 to obtain the total number of copies N desired. After this static or unchanging image has been produced in the printing unit 10, the static or unchanging image is partially individualized in the printing device 12, in that a partial quantity n of the total pressrun N of the flyer is individualized by the addition of an individual or dynamic image. This can be, for example, an image of an actual motor vehicle made by the automobile manufacturer. After the static or unchanging image has been partially individualized in the printing device 12, the final individualization is accomplished inline in the printing device 13, in which personal address data are printed.

In an especially preferred embodiment, dynamic or changing logistics data, e.g., logistics codes and/or postage stamps, are also printed. In this case, image data from three different data streams are printed inline in one workflow, namely, a static or unchanging image, the dynamic or changing text and/or image data serving to individualize and/or partially to individualize the flyer, and dynamic or changing logistics data.

In this case, the dynamic or changing images printed in the printing devices 12 and 13 are preferably combined in such a way that the image printed for partial individualization in the printing device 12 is coordinated with the individual address data printed in the printing device 13. As a result, target group-oriented prospectuses and advertising materials can be produced rapidly at low cost.

As previously mentioned, a static or unchanging image is produced in the printing unit 10 on all copies of the flyer to be produced. In the downstream printing device 12, the static image produced in the printing unit 10 is partially individualized inline by the addition of a first dynamic image aimed at a first customer group, such as customers in the age range of 20-40 years. An automobile manufacturer, therefore, can use the printing device 12 to print an image of, for example, the newest sports car model onto the section of the static image to be individualized and thus target customers who are between 20 and 40 years of age. After this partial individualization, the corresponding customer-specific address data are printed on the flyer in the printing device 13. From the total run N of the flyer produced in the printing unit 10, therefore, a partially individualized flyer with a run of n is produced in the printing device 12. This flyer is then given its final individualization by the addition of individual customer data in the printing device 13. If desired, individual logistics data can also be printed inline. Such data can consist of a logistics code and a postage stamp.

Once the flyers have been printed out for all of the customers in the database between 20 and 40 years of age, the present invention makes it possible for the automobile manufacturer to use the printing device 12 partially to individualize the static image produced in the printing unit 10 by adding an image of the newest luxury model and thus to target a customer group of independent persons between 50 and 60 years old. The printing device 13 is then used to produce the final individualization of the printed article by adding the individual address data.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, a common open-loop or closed-loop control unit 15 is assigned to the printing unit 10 and to the printing devices 12 and 13 integrated inline with the printing unit 10. The common open-loop or closed-loop control unit 15 thus serves to control all of the integrated inline printing units 10 and printing devices 12 and 13. As a result, it is possible to establish an integrated data or information stream. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, this means that, first, data 16 for the static or unchanging image to be printed in the printing unit 10 and data 17 for the dynamic or changing images to be printed in the printing devices 12 and 13 are sent to a printing setup system 18, which then transmits the final printing setup data to the open-loop or closed-loop control unit 15. All of the data required to produce the individualized printed articles are accordingly brought together in a single workflow. This opens up completely new possibilities for the production of printed articles. The data 17 comprise preferably individual text and/or image data 19 and individual logistics data 20.

Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

1. A method for printing on a substrate, comprising: printing a static or unchanging image on the substrate and to receive a data stream containing data for the static or unchanging image; individualizing the static or unchanging image by adding at least one dynamic or changing image to the substrate, including printing the at least one dynamic or changing image after receiving a data stream containing data for the at least one dynamic or changing image, by printing at least one of fragrances, varnishes, electrical conductors and semiconductor circuits, wherein image information from a plurality of data streams is printed inline on the substrate in a single workflow.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the static or unchanging image is printed by one of an offset printing unit, a gravure printing unit and a flexographic printing unit.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one dynamic or changing image is printed by two ink-jet printing devices.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one dynamic or changing image is printed by electrophotography, magnetography, electrocoagulation and ionography.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein an open-loop or closed-loop control unit manually or automatically controls at least one printing unit configured to print the static or unchanging image and at least one printing device configured to print the at least one dynamic or changing image to guarantee an integrated data flow.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein said plurality of data streams comprises three data streams, one data stream corresponding the static or unchanging image and the other two data streams corresponding to two dynamic or changing images printed by the two ink-jet printing devices.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the printing step of at least one of the fragrances, varnishes, electrical conductors and semiconductor circuits includes printing of at least one of individual text data and image data.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the printing step further includes printing of individual logistics data in addition to the at least one of individual text data and image data.
 9. The method of claim 3, wherein a first ink-jet printing device of the two ink-jet printing devices prints a first dynamic or changing image and a second ink-jet of the two ink-jet printing devices prints a second dynamic or changing image, the first dynamic or changing image partially individualizing the copies in that a partial quantity of the total copies have the same of the first dynamic or changing image, the second dynamic or changing image completely individualizing the copies in that each second dynamic or changing image on each of the copies is unique.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first dynamic or changing image is formed of the at least one of printed fragrances, printed varnishes, printed electrical conductors and printed semiconductor circuits.
 11. A printed substrate, comprising a plurality of copies of a printed object, each of the copies including: a static or unchanging image on the substrate that is the same for each of the copies; and at least one dynamic or changing image that individualizes the copies and is formed of at least one of individual text data, individual image data, individual logistics data, printed fragrances, printed varnishes, printed electrical conductors and printed semiconductor circuits.
 12. The printed substrate of claim 11, wherein the at least one dynamic or changing image comprises a first dynamic or changing image and a second dynamic or changing image, the first dynamic or changing image partially individualizing the copies in that a partial quantity of the total copies have the same of the first dynamic or changing image, the second dynamic or changing image completely individualizing the copies in that each second dynamic or changing image on each of the copies is unique.
 13. The printed substrate of claim 12, wherein the first dynamic or changing image is formed of at least one of printed fragrances, printed varnishes, printed electrical conductors and printed semiconductor circuits. 